Wh - questions

By Andreea Mesescu

Wh - questions

Wh - questions begin with "what" , "when" , ​"where" , "who" , "whom" , "which" , "whose" , "why" and "how".

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We use them ​to ask for information.

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​We usually form wh-questions with wh- + an auxiliary verb (be, do or have) + subject + main verb or with wh- + a modal verb + subject + main verb:

e.g: When are you leaving?

Where should I park?

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​Who - is used in questions to ask about people.

e.g.: Who is your best friend?

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​What - is used in questions to ask about something.

e..g: What is your name?

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​When - is used in questions to ask about time.

e.g.: When is your birthday?

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​Where - is used in questions to ask about place.

e.g.: Where is my book?

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​Why - is used in questions to ask the reason for something. ​

​e.g.: Why are you crying?

​Which - is used in questions to ask about choices.

​e.g.: Which hat shall we choose?

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How is used in questions to ask about various things including way / manner, condition/quality, and extent/degree.

Although ‘how’ doesn’t start with Wh- , how is still considered a Wh- question word. 

​e.g.: How old are you?​